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Youth Gang problems have always been a concern for Hong Kong society. Recently,
a local scholar of youth gangs made the point that because of their dense
population and high proportion of youth, public housing estates, are a breeding
ground for youth gangs. In fact,
most public housing estates are located in New Towns.
In view of the continuous development of New Towns, the aim of this study
is to find ways to prevent them from becoming breeding grounds for gangs. This
study will pay particular attention to the following four areas: (a) the
relationship between the characteristics of New Towns and the existence of youth
gangs; (b) the importance of recreational facilities and services with respect
to different demographic characteristics; (c) the stages of New Town development
and the timing of the emergence of gangs; and (d) discussions on the various
strategies adopted by communities to prevent youth crime.
This study is undertaken through the collection of data from four
areas: (a) basic demographic data of the New Towns; (b) statistics on youth
crime and youth arrested in these two New Towns; (c) in-depth interviews with
gang members to understand their participation in gang activities; and (d)
in-depth interviews with specialists, concerned authorities and community
leaders in Tseung Kwan O and Tin Shui Wai. This
study hopes to be able to provide insight into the relationship between the
stages of New Town development and timing of the emergence of gangs. It
also aims to provide recommendations on improving New Town facilities and
services planning strategies.
A self-administered opinion poll of eight secondary schools in
Tseung Kwan O and Tin Shui Wai New Towns was conducted in November, 2000.
A total of 852 students from F.1 to F.7 were successfully interviewed. Concomitantly, an in-depth interview of 16 gang members was
also conducted in November, 2000, of which ten were males and six females. Each
indicated an affiliation with triad societies.
The major
findings are as follows:
1. Compared with the
overall population, New Towns have a higher proportion of youth, while the
socio-economic status of residents is comparatively low. These two factors may
contribute juvenile gangs.
2. Concomitant to the
increase in population and commercial activities in Tseung Kwan O and Tin Shui
Wai, youth gangs emerged accordingly. Crime
figures also increased at the same time. Figures
show that young people for unlawful offences began as early as the second year
of the establishment of New Towns, suggesting that triad activities take root
almost as soon as people move into the New Towns.
3. According to the
Poll, " high risk areas" that gangs easily have access to: estate
shops, fast food restaurants, football pitches and parks.
Students wandering around in the community have a higher chance of being
encountered, illustrating how gang members are recruited within the local
community.
4. Cross tabulations
show that respondents visiting the homes of friends or schoolmates after school,
have a higher chance of being invited to join youth gangs.
40% of respondents' parents have no knowledge about their friends.
5. Some respondents
show little alertness against triad societies. In New Towns, triad societies
present themselves as symbols of power in order to attract youth members who
lack a sense of security.
6. Respondents
felt that the social facilities and social services are adequate in the New
Town. The greater the satisfaction
with facilities and services, the higher the sense of belongings to the
community. Public swimming pools
and libraries are considered the most important youth facilities in New Towns,
yet both Tseung Kwan O and Tin Shui Wai do not have a public library.
7. As
problems of youth gangs emerge in the early stages of New Town development, the
reaction of the community can critically affect the problem.
Kowloon City District has set up a cross- profession mechanism to deal
with the issue in a comprehensive way.
In view of the above discussion, the Federation recommends that:
1. The
youth gang problems in New Towns should be dealt with proactively, by the
setting-up of long term cross- profession mechanisms and formulating early
strategies to prevent youth from joining gangs.
2. Widely
use an out- reach approach and prevent the growth of juvenile delinquency.
3. Encourage parents to
participate more in school affairs, which will help them understand the daily
lives of their children.
4. Provide
services and facilities in New Towns to help youth to develop a healthy
lifestyle as early as possible.
-End-
Youth Study
Series No.23
